Workers at the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the agency’s management, demanding action on longstanding welfare issues or face a nationwide industrial strike.
The unions presented their demands in a letter titled “Failure to respond to lawful and reasonable demands 14 days ultimatum,” which was obtained by newsmewn on Wednesday.
The letter was signed by Ocheme Abah of the National Union of Air Transport Employees, Sikiru Waheed of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees, and Abdul Rasaq Saidu of the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals.
The unions accused NiMet’s management of neglecting workers’ welfare and failing to implement vital policies to improve staff conditions. They expressed concern that despite repeated requests, management has been unresponsive to the deteriorating welfare situation at the agency.
“We are highly concerned that your management has inexplicably refused all entreaties from our unions to address the extremely adverse circumstances of the workers at NiMet.
“Despite being evidently aware of the clear backward state of NiMet’s staff welfare status in the aviation industry, your Management remains unmoved and lethargic in addressing this obvious malady,” the letter stated.
Key grievances highlighted in the letter include the non-payment of nine months’ arrears under the 2019 Minimum Wage Act, failure to implement the revised scheme of service since 2019, and non-payment of various allowances such as the 40% peculiar allowance and hardship allowance.
The unions also pointed to the agency’s non-compliance with ministerial directives to review the Conditions of Service, non-payment of a 25-35% wage award, and refusal to facilitate the transition from CONMETSS.
The unions stressed that the workers at NiMet do not deserve the suffering caused by management’s actions and inactions. In the event that the issues are not resolved, the unions have directed that all NiMet workers withdraw their services starting at 6 a.m. on February 4, 2025.
“In light of the foregoing, we wish to inform you that the Unions as named above shall be moved to commence industrial action against the Agency after fourteen (14) days from the date of the stated issues are not completely ameliorated,” the letter warned. “Therefore, all workers of NiMet by a copy of this letter are hereby directed to withdraw all services at the Agency with effect from 6am on Tuesday 4 February 2025 unless otherwise.”
As the deadline approaches, NiMet management has yet to respond to the ultimatum, further heightening tensions within the agency.
